Your body uses iron, an essential mineral, to help transport oxygen throughout your body and produce adenosine triphosphate or ATP -- the primary energy source. Low blood iron levels is the most common nutritional disorder in the world and is typically treated using iron supplements. If you need need to increase your iron intake, your doctor will recommend the appropriate iron supplement dosage for you.
For Ages 7 to 12 months
Do not give children under the age of 18 iron supplements unless otherwise recommended by a medical professional. Infants between the ages of 7 to 12 months should consume 11 mg of iron daily, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Newborn infants are born with an iron supply sufficient to support their iron needs until they are approximately 4 to 6 months old. Breast milk is iron-rich, and breastfed infants are able to easily digest and absorb this mineral. If you choose not to breastfeed your infant, consider feeding her an iron-fortified baby formula to ensure she gets enough iron each day.
For Ages 1 to 3 Years
Toddlers between the ages of 1 and 3 years old should consume approximately 7 mg of iron each day.
For Ages 4 to 8 Years
Young children ages 4 to 8 years old should increase their iron consumption to 10 mg daily. Your child grows rapidly between these ages and needs more iron to help support their physical development.
For Ages 9 to 13 Years
Children who are between the ages of 9 and 13 need to consume 8 mg of iron on a daily basis. If your daughter begins having her menstrual period before the age of 13, talk with your doctor about her daily iron requirements. Blood loss that occurs during menstruation may require your daughter to intake more than 8 mg of iron each day.
For Males Ages 14 to 18 Years
Young men between ages 14 and 18 need to get 11 mg of iron each day. Male teenagers in this age bracket experience considerable physical development changes during this period of adolescence. Extra iron is necessary to support physical growth and increased energy demands.
For Women Ages 14 to 18 Years
Young women often begin experiencing a monthly menstrual cycle between the ages of 14 and 18. During monthly periods, your daughter's body loses red blood cells. This loss of red blood cells requires an increase in iron consumption to help replenish her red blood cell levels. Consequently, young women in this age group should consume 15 mg of iron each day.
For Women Ages 19 to 50 Years
As women reach adulthood, they require even more iron to account for heavy menstrual bleeding or blood loss during pregnancy. As such, women between the ages of 19 and 50 should ingest 18 mg of iron on a daily basis.
For Men Over Age 19 and Women Over Age 51
Adult men and women over the age of 51 only need to consume 8 mg of iron daily. Women typically experience menopause around the age of 50. Menopause is a natural occurrence during which women stop having a monthly menstrual period.
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